Over 2,000 people have signed a petition to kick ‘Dean’ off ‘Married At First Sight Australia’

“Take Sexual Violence Off Our Screens.”

Dec 21, 2017 11:22pm

Last week we were introduced to the 'baddie' of the fifth season of Married At First Sight when a promo was released of new groom 'Dean', who ~delightfully~ spoke about the fact he wants to be "the alpha male" and thinks that "traditional [gender] roles" should be brought back to Australia. Cue the eye rolls…

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Though this promo was clearly edited to evoke rage in viewers, it seems that 'Straya is NOT happy with this dude (and his dated, sexist opinions) getting air time, as an online petition has surfaced to urge Channel Nine to remove him from the show.

The petition, named 'Take Sexual Violence off our Screens', currently has 2,487 signatures from pissed off citizens who are sick of mysognistic opinions being projected on national television.

The petition creator, Katrina Bicket, explains why this movement is so important in her statement, saying:

The powers that be at 9 Network have decided to include a misogynist looking for a doormat/wife in the next series of Married At First Sight. Declaring such views as wanting to be in charge, he's the man, she has to listen, and referring to traditional roles that still exist in "other countries", he fits the perfect profile of a controlling, dominating abuser.

Now, undoubtedly the program will cast him as the bad guy (which he is) and manufacture conflict around his controversial character. In doing so, 9 Network are giving a platform to views and ideals that will appeal to a certain demographic, and are capitalising off the abuse of women.

This in the age of #metoo. This following the growing movement naming and exposing abusers, molesters and rapists. This when on average one woman a week is killed in Australia as a result of domestic violence.

The oppression and abuse of women should never be used as a marketing tool. We're talking about lives here, and lives are far more important than ratings or network profits.

9 Network, hang your heads in shame.

So far, Nine Network has not responded to the petition and have yet to issue a statement regarding the negative reaction to 'Dean', but based off filming schedules, it's likely that Dean has already been paired with a woman and walked down the aisle.